Ownership Your Corner Wrench: Should you rebuild or replace?

Your Corner Wrench: You might want to skip the panoramic sunroof

If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle with a panoramic roof, think againVideo: Don’t bother buying these new car add-ons (provided by Consumer Reports)Click to expand Your browser does not support this video require(["binding"], function (binding) { binding("wcVideoPlayer", "#video_player_d437d12a-a6aa-4eee-a817-a3cd66476e78").

Keeping our vehicles an average of 10 years leads many of us to face repair bills that can be challenging. Add to this the increasing complexity of even the most humble of mainstream rides, and you can have a recipe for a budget-breaking event.

Your Corner Wrench: Should you let your car warm up?

As long as your car's windows are clear, your car just needs about three minutes to effectively warm it upVideo: How to Cool Your Car Like a Pro (provided by Consumer Reports)

Your Corner Wrench : What happens when you use the wrong fuel? News. Your Corner Wrench : Should you rebuild or replace ? Comments.

You ' re viewing YouTube in Russian. You can change this preference below. So the question to you is, Should You Rebuild or Replace ? I'd love to hear about your thoughts and experiences on this one.

You can be excused if you’ve never heard of or had certain repair jobs done to your vehicle. Things such as rewinding alternators, rebuilding brake calipers and wheel cylinders, or overhauling a brake master cylinder seemed to have been relegated to automotive history. This is due in large part to labour costs; when rates are hard to find under $100 per hour, sourcing replacement parts that were re-manufactured in a factory, with labour costs at a fraction of your favourite shop’s going rate, will often get you a lower invoice total. To sweeten the pot, high-quality remanufactured components often come with multi-year warranties, providing some peace of mind.

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Usually, the economic benefits of opting for replace over repair are clear and substantial, but when certain remanufactured or new components are too expensive, it may be time to consider the alternatives. Take alternators, for example; when a remanufactured or new part is priced under $500, having it repaired by a specialty shop – general repair centers and dealerships don’t usually offer this option onsite – generally won’t be worth it when you take the additional downtime into consideration.

How to Replace a Thermostat in 8 Steps

<p>Thermostats are important for two reasons: they accelerate engine warm-up and regulate the engine’s operating temperature</p>Thermostats are important for two reasons: they accelerate engine warm-up and regulate the engine’s operating temperature. By blocking the circulation of coolant between the engine and radiator until the engine has reached its predetermined temperature, thermostats can ensure great fuel economy, reduce engine wear, and improve cold weather durability.

Your Corner Wrench : Why you should avoid 'white box' parts. If you do find a collapsed foam weather seal, and don’t want to fork out the bucks to replace it, you may be able to “ re -inflate” it by cutting it open and inserting a length of rubber tubing and re -gluing the slit where you inserted the tube.

But some alternators can easily top $1,000 or more. At this point, it’s reasonable to ask your shop if they deal with an electrical rebuilder that might be able to handle the job. Most of these specialists can let your shop know if they can take care of your specific part, and whether or not common replacement parts are available. Average prices for rebuilt alternators can be less than $500.

Warranties differ considerably between replacement assemblies and units repaired in-house. Credible and quality on remanufactured or new parts come with guarantees that pretty much cover anything that can go wrong, but repair kits used to rebuild or overhaul something often come with little coverage, leaving a customer to deal directly with their shop in the case of a problem. One of these two parties will usually have to foot the bill for any repeat failure.

One of the largest problems with having your shop repair something rather than replace it is the availability of internal parts. You might expect that few automakers or aftermarket parts manufacturers would list or carry repair parts for a lowly wiper motor, but you can be in for a shock when you find the same can be said for a lot of larger, more expensive systems. Rear drive-axle gears on many small SUVs and crossovers for example, only list external seals as being available. Run into the need to replace a gear and you’ll likely end up having to purchase a complete assembly.

Your Corner Wrench: The tools that will take care of you

Think about repairing or even replacing those tools that come with your car for emergenciesIf all drivers used their autos’ wheel wrench/jack set even once, this little feature would likely soar to the top of the most-hated vehicle component list in seconds flat. Regardless of what you drive or how much it cost, these kits often appear cheesy, flimsy, and hard-to-use. Fortunately for most of us they collect dust in hidden compartments in the cargo area. But when you’re away from home or travelling in less serviced regions, this little kit can sometimes mean the difference to being stranded or getting on your way.

Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches , no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Should You Rebuild or Replace ?

And now, on to my thoughts on rebuild or replace for V8 owners . . . You should also consider cosmetics - do you care how the engine bay looks? If you do, this is the time to refinish or re -plate under hood pieces while they are all out and apart.

Some enterprising aftermarket parts builders can come to the rescue in these situations, and more choices seem to crop up every year as weaknesses in original design and construction bring profit possibilities on the horizon for them. For instance, one U.S. firm is now making and selling billet aluminum HVAC doors for a select number of vehicles that have developed common problems with the original, plastic parts breaking. These small units direct air to different vents on command, blending hot and cool air to regulate temperatures.

The metal kits aren’t cheap, but the manufacturer knows the job to change them is usually very labour-intensive, so many owners will pay any additional expense on parts to avoid having to repeat the process a few years down the road.

Your Corner Wrench: Dos and don’ts for better fuel economy .
Barring mechanical problems, the best way to get better mileage comes down to how you driveVideo: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive (provided by Consumer Reports) Your browser does not support this video require(["binding"], function (binding) { binding("wcVideoPlayer", "#video_player_fd2beeb5-907c-4c42-818c-d684395489f1").

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Keeping our vehicles an average of 10 years leads many of us to face repair bills that can be challenging. Add to this the increasing complexity of even the most humble of mainstream rides, and you can have a recipe for a budget-breaking event.

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Your Corner Wrench : Why you should avoid 'white box' parts. If you do find a collapsed foam weather seal, and don’t want to fork out the bucks to replace it, you may be able to “ re -inflate” it by cutting it open and inserting a length of rubber tubing and re -gluing the slit where you inserted the tube.

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Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches , no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Should You Rebuild or Replace ?

And now, on to my thoughts on rebuild or replace for V8 owners . . . You should also consider cosmetics - do you care how the engine bay looks? If you do, this is the time to refinish or re -plate under hood pieces while they are all out and apart.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Windows? - www.thespruce.com

So, what is the decisive point at which you should replace , rather than repair, your windows? It is impossible for a do-it-yourselfer or even a competent window technician to disassemble an IGU and rebuild it. Removal and replacement is the only option.

The internet is full of debates regarding what type of repairs DIY-ers should and shouldn’t tackle, and whether or not backyard technicians are risking the safety of others with homemade repairs. Your Corner Wrench : Don't forget about maintenance history.

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